This Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix combines powdered milk, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt for a creamy, sweet, spiced chocolate drink. Mix the dry ingredients with hot water or milk for a perfect indulgence on chilly Fall days or any day you need to warm up from the inside out! I love adding a few marshmallows and a dollop of whipped cream to my glass mug and highly recommend you do as well ๐Ÿ˜€. You should stock up for the cooler months, and make a Big Batch of Hot Cocoa Mix if you want the classic flavor and to use the BEST recipe online!

Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix in a jar on a wooden table.
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Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Powdered Milk: Powdered milk is milk that has been dried out so it lasts longer than regular liquid milk. Itโ€™s also called milk powder or dry milk. For a non-dairy substitute, you could use coconut powdered milk.
  • Confectioners’ Sugar: Confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar) brings sweetness and dissolves easily (no unwanted lumps)! Granulated sugar will work, too, but it will not dissolve as easily.
  • Cocoa Powder: After testing this hot cocoa mix with both Dutch-processed and regular unsweetened cocoa powder, we all liked the unsweetened cocoa powder the best. The unsweetened cocoa powder gives the mix a more classic, traditional hot cocoa flavor. Plus, it has a more intense, natural chocolate taste. But, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder, too.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: The star of this recipe is the pumpkin pie spice! If you don’t have any on hand, make your own! (You probably have all the spices you need to make it!) It gives each sip of the hot cocoa a seasonal twist. If you are all about pumpkin spice drinks, you will also love my homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte, another seasonal favorite.
  • Cornstarch: The cornstarch helps thicken the cocoa mix when mixed with the hot liquid, giving your drink a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Kosher Salt: Even though there is a small amount of salt in the mix, it is still important! The salt helps create a more well-rounded, flavorful hot cocoa.
Pouring milk into a glass mug with Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix in it and mini marshmallows.

Hot Cocoa vs. Hot Chocolate

Both hot cocoa and hot chocolate are tasty (and popular) drinks for cold weather, but they are a little different. Hot cocoa is usually made from a powder that you mix with hot water or milk (like this recipe). Hot chocolate, on the other hand, is made by melting real chocolate in hot liquid. Most of the mixes you find in stores are for hot cocoa. Of course, marshmallows are delicious in both!

If you love classic hot chocolate, youโ€™ve got to try my best homemade hot cocoa! Itโ€™s rich, velvety, and perfect for a cozy night in.

Wooden tablespoon in a jar of Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix on a wooden table.

Is It Better To Use Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix With Water Or Milk?

It’s all about preference when using this pumpkin spice hot cocoa mix. Here is a breakdown of using water or milk with the hot cocoa mix: (There are pros and cons to each.)

Using Milk:

  1. Creaminess: Milk gives hot cocoa a rich, creamy texture, making it more indulgent and comforting.
  2. Flavor: The natural sweetness of milk enhances the overall flavor, resulting in a more balanced and delicious drink.
  3. Nutritional Value: Milk adds protein, calcium, and vitamins, making your hot cocoa more nutritious.

Using Water:

  1. Lighter Option: Using water makes for a lighter hot cocoa, which some might prefer if they want a less rich drink.
  2. Fewer Calories: Water significantly reduces the calorie count, making it a suitable option for those watching their calorie intake.
  3. Quick Mix: If youโ€™re in a hurry, water is easier and faster to mix with powdered cocoa, especially if you donโ€™t have milk on hand.
Glass mug of Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix on a wooden table in front of the mix and a pumpkin behind.

How To Store Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix

To store pumpkin spice hot cocoa mix, keep it in an airtight container (I like a glass jar with a tight lid). It makes a great homemade gift for all of the lovers of pumpkin spice (and I know a few)! When stored in a cool, dry place, the mix can last up to a year. It will lose a little bit of its flavor the longer it’s stored, so use it up (which won’t be a problem once you taste it)!

Glass of Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa on a wooden table with cookies.

Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
This Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa mix combines powdered milk, confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt for a creamy, sweet, and spiced chocolate drink. Mix the dry ingredients with hot water or milk for a perfect indulgence on chilly Fall days or any day you need to warm up from the inside out!

Ingredients

Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa

  • 1 ยผ cups (85 g) powdered milk
  • 1 cup (125 g) confectioners' sugar
  • ยฝ cup (59 g) regular unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt

For Serving

Instructions

Hot Cocoa Mix

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered milk confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and kosher salt.
  • Whisk all ingredients together until well blended.
  • Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.*

To Make a Cup of Hot Cocoa

  • Measure ยผ cup of the hot cocoa mix into a glass mug.
  • Pour 1 cup of hot water or milk over the mix. Stir until the powder has dissolved and is smooth.
  • Top with mini marshmallows, if desired. (I highly recommend adding marshmallows, especially if using water, as they will add a silky velvet-like quality to the hot cocoa once melted.)

Video

Notes

*This recipe makes about 2 ยผ cups of hot cocoa mix, which is enough for approximately 9 servings (if using 1/4 cup of mix per serving).

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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:

Autumn

I love the hint of pumpkin spice in each sip of this! So cozy!

Elizabeth

I am not ashamed to say I am a fan of all things pumpkin spice, and I loved this hot cocoa mix! Perfect for chilly days!

Annabelle

If you are a fan of pumpkin spice drinks, you will probably like this hot cocoa mix.

Bella

Such a delicious twist on regular hot chocolate! I like it best when it's made with milk.

Selena

Perfect for chilly days. The pumpkin spice makes it unique, and it dissolves well in hot water or milk.

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Meet Amanda Rettke

Amanda Rettke is the creator of I Am Baker, and the bestselling author of Surprise Inside Cakes: Amazing Cakes for Every Occasion โ€“ With a Little Something Extra Inside.Over the course of her 15+ year blogging adventure, she has been featured in and collaborated with the Food Network, New York Times, LA Times, Country Living Magazine, People Magazine, Epicurious, Brides, Romantic Homes, life:beautiful, Publishers Weekly, The Daily Mail, Star Tribune, The Globe and Mail, DailyCandy, YumSugar, The Knot, The Kitchn, and Parade, to name a few.

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